Change the Raunchy Playlist

Working out in a gym that proudly displays organic soap – and plays misogynistic music.

I belong to a small studio-style gym in West Hollywood designed with exquisite attention to feel-good sensitivity. The studio describes itself as "affirmatively productive, positive and helpful" on its website. "Our clients are given all the tools necessary for personal transformation. Spread love!"

This outlook extends even to the bathroom, where a note taped to the paper-towel dispenser reads: "A hand towel is available for your use on the door, if you prefer not to use paper towels."

Despite this studied atmosphere and a lineup of quality instructors, I am shopping for a different gym. That's because with the exception of yoga classes, it's nearly impossible to find a class where the playlists are not filled with profanities and vulgarities.

These are anything but affirmative, positive or helpful. In fact, they hurt my chakras something awful. I'm surprised the little Buddha statue at the door doesn't have his fingers in his ears along with his eyes closed.

One day, the playlist in a combination dance and Pilates class was so larded with obscene lyrics that I rolled up my mat and rushed out halfway through, unable to endure another minute. I did not even follow the studio etiquette of wiping down my mat with organic, environmentally sensitive cleanser provided at the exit.

With trepidation, I looked up a link to one of the songs and sent the lyrics to the studio owner, asking about the conflict between her otherwise positive environment and music that celebrates violence, contains numbing repetitions of words I don't let my children say and refers to women with misogynistic terms.

"I don't like that stuff either," she emailed. "It's one of my challenges too." However, concerned about "censorship," she admitted it was too much of a challenge for her to ban such music from her studio.

Until I find a gym that demonstrates equal sensitivity to my inner core as much as my abdominal one, I am working out at home.

Regretfully, I stopped attending my very favorite dance class because that instructor, who is enthusiastic and attentive to her students, also favors songs written by people whom I can only assume were raised by characters from the ultraviolent videogame Grand Theft Auto. I asked her why, with thousands of songs to choose from, she chooses these. She explained that she looks for rhythmic balance, variety and what's popular.

While she doesn't condone or use much of the language in these songs, she also rates a fear of censorship over the sensitivities of a particular student. But it's hard to imagine any of the women in the class complaining about a lack of references to women using derogatory terms.

People today have become obsessed with physical sensitivities: We don't use paper towels; we don't smoke in public; we ask dinner guests about their dietary restrictions. We even eschew sending our kids to school with peanut-butter sandwiches because of the harmful physical impact it might have on others.

But meanwhile we have lost our sensitivity to the things that pollute us spiritually, including entertainment that is often profoundly dark, violent and misogynistic.

Until I find a gym that demonstrates equal sensitivity to my inner core as much as my abdominal one, I am working out at home to DVDs and YouTube videos. My old gym owner ought to be proud: After all, I'm reducing my carbon footprint by not driving back and forth to the gym.

Taking deep, cleansing breaths during exercise, as I was taught to do at the gym, is also easier in my living room because I no longer have to anticipate hearing Robin Thicke or Rihanna singing inane, nihilistic songs that may have great beats, but coarsen the soul. Besides, in the world to come I hear there's no pressure to look good in Spandex.

This article originally appeared in the Wall Street Journal on October 11 and is reprinted with permission.

Visitor Comments: 25

(18)
Avigai;,
November 28, 2013 5:25 AM

me too!

I feel the same way about my gym. Thankfully, the 2 classes I regularly attend, Pilates and Yoga, have more decent music, but as soon as the class ends, the radio goes on and I try to make a mad dash out of the door, The music sounds like an audible gehinnom. Also, the magazines displayed. Why does everything around us have to be the lowest common denominator of decency? I recently read a great article by Victor Davis Hanson of Pajamas Media about the descent of our culture. What was yesterday's indeceny is today's new normal. It is said that a sin done over and over again eventually becomes a "mitzvah" (I believe Rav Dessler spoke about this concept). If today is "normal" I fear for what tomorrow's generation will bring.

(17)
Devils Advocate,
November 22, 2013 2:48 PM

Open your Mind

Don't be hatin on Rhianna. She expresses some very real emotions, which are in no way inane or nihilistic,in her music and has a lot to offer to the world. Heart break, love, and pain are very real and meaningful.

esther,
December 15, 2013 9:01 PM

the POWER of music!!!

music has profound affects on the our psyche and Neshama. as a matter of fact the Leviim played music in the beis Hamikdash in order to elevate everyone and help the people reach spiritual heights! the same is also true. it has been proven by studies that certain music when played to control sampled of water literally changed the formation of crystals in those samples. they found the heavy medal, rock etc when played in the presence of the h2o sampled yielded deformed crystal formations where classical music and the like yielded beautiful crystal formations. basically music holds the energy it was created with (i,e. pain, anger, rebelliousness, love, corruptness, lust, greed, violence, depression, confusion, sadness, etc..) and it's is beyond a doubt that the energy it was created gets transmitted to the listener in a real and powerful way, for better or worse!!!!

(16)
Moshe,
November 19, 2013 1:36 AM

Interesting

interesting. I used to listen to hardcore rock back in my HS days when I used to work out, and even when I just regularly listen to music. One day I decided to add more kosher music to my playlist, and I don't feel as stress out after working out or by doing anything. :D Interesting article, but it needs more depth to it.

(15)
Chana,
November 18, 2013 11:45 PM

Playlist

It is absolutely ridiculous that gym owners think they HAVE to play "politically correct" music. I am glad you stood up to your convictions. Bless you.

(14)
Penny,
November 18, 2013 5:04 PM

The censorship argument is ridiculous! They are CHOOSING the music, not preventing others from listening to it elsewhere. If I choose not to read Lady Chatterly's Lover aloud at kids' story time in the library, or not to put up semi-pornographic pictures in my office waiting-room, is that censorship? Ummm....no. I can't believe there are no alternatives - they just don't want to bother finding them. I think your article deserves a wider distribution where it will be read by gym owners.

(13)
JBDestiny,
November 18, 2013 2:52 PM

Good on you!

I commend you for voting with your dollars on this issue. I forgot what the term is, but there is a well know psychological effect where a group of people agree to plans that no one individually is inclined towards; each believes the rest of the group is enthusiastic and no one wants to be the wet blanket. Sounds like that's at least part of what's happening here. The manager, instructors and at least some of the students detest the songs, but no one is willing to change because of some assumed desire for them among the clientele.

Rose,
November 20, 2013 3:19 AM

Abilene Paradox

I believe what you're referring to is called the Abilene Paradox. On a different note, I go shopping to air out and relax and I come home with a pounding headache from all the rediculous music. I always wish they would choose something soothing and soft.

(12)
AnnMarie,
November 18, 2013 12:40 AM

I couldn't agree more!!

I thought I was the only one. I toured all of our local gyms, only to join the Y in a neighboring city for this very reason. I also agree with the other posts...money motivates. Kudos to you for voicing your feelings and sharing them, may it inspire others. Once we begin to stand up for our beliefs and stop supporting businesses that erode our values, things like this may change.

(11)
kim,
November 17, 2013 11:48 PM

better gyms exist

I work at a studio that targets boomers and seniors. Because of that instructors are REQUIRED to use music without profanity and dress modestly. How perfect for instructors and customers! Saying they are serving their clients is nonsense.

Anonymous,
November 18, 2013 12:20 PM

i teach exercise classes and fruitlessly - constantly try to find music which is either instrumental or, at least somewhat acceptable...wherer do you find this kind of music today??

Kim,
November 20, 2013 12:29 PM

Music source

I use music developed for Silver Sneakers classes which is for seniors. You can get it online from Muscle Mixes, not plugging them just answering your question. Hope this helps.

(10)
Bracha Goetz,
November 17, 2013 10:51 PM

So well expressed!

(9)
Dena,
November 17, 2013 9:07 PM

Well Said!

That's it. Well said, Judy. And I agree 100%.

(8)
David Altschuler,
November 17, 2013 8:57 PM

Judy, just take up racquetball instead. No music at all in those enclosed courts. Just reserved Ct. #3 at L.A. Fitness tomorrow at 3pm.

(7)
J,
November 17, 2013 8:11 PM

Awesome Article

Couldn't agree more ....this profanity laced and highly sexualized music that we are bombarded with today does in fact have an effect in THIS world - look at the way children, teenagers, and even well educated adults speak today!

(6)
Joy,
November 17, 2013 7:14 PM

Me too.

I can relate to this experience. I signed up for a Zumba class at a local church. I was shocked at the music that was being played and haven't gone back.

(5)
rachel,
November 17, 2013 6:59 PM

they should switch to instrumental music

No lyrics = no problem.

(4)
Fred Campbell,
November 17, 2013 6:49 PM

Cultural pollution

As a Christian (and, I believe, a person of some culture), I agree with you.Your request for good taste in the aural environment is not "censorship", it is good sense, culturally and spiritually.Thank you for your courage in making an issue of this.

Wanda,
November 17, 2013 10:32 PM

I agree!

Amen!

(3)
Nancy,
November 17, 2013 5:29 PM

To poster #1--You have made an excellent suggestion. To Judy Gruen--I'm so very sorry that the inappropriate music drove you out of a gym you enjoyed. FWIW--I would have taken the same actions you did. In fact, I have NEVER been a member of a gym. I much prefer working out in my own home environment. I also would rather not spend the money on gym membership, although I realize not everyone would agree with me re: the latter sentiment.

(2)
Rebecca,
November 17, 2013 2:12 PM

It takes a Village!

This reminded me of the time I was shopping in one of these very popular clothing stores in the mall and could not believe my ears as I heard the music being played. I was totally horrified as the lyrics were so off color and there were many teens and tweens in the store as well with their mothers shopping. Well, I marched straight up to the counter and asked to speak to the manager about this. She shared that there was nothing she could do about it. Subsequently, I asked for the number of the main office of the company. I voiced my complaint to the powers that be and they said they would look into it. Another time, when I saw a very inappropriate poster in the window of a clothing boutique that was in the center of my Jewish Community I voiced my dissatisfaction as well and tactfully and politely told the owners that it could negatively impact their business. You see it's really all about the money and if more people take a stand and speak out against these toxic and pernicious influences, maybe we can help make a change little by little!

(1)
Anonymous,
November 17, 2013 12:54 PM

In Chicago there is "Frumba" - - Zumba for Jewish women that features "clean" (although not necessarily Jewish) music. My suggestion would be to come up with a playlist on your own and present it to the studio. There IS upbeat music that is perfectly suitable for exercising, but it sounds like the studio is too lazy to do anything about it. If you can show them that there are alternatives, you may have success. And PS, a hand towel in a public facility spreads germs!

Yehudit,
November 17, 2013 6:53 PM

Frumba? Love it!!!!!

How cool and witty is that! Kudos to the Chicago community! Looks like there's a market on the rise for a new type of gym....

Beth Ladenheim,
November 17, 2013 9:35 PM

Women's Only Zumba

I lead women's only Zumba classes in Lower Merion, PA and I use mostly Zumba approved music where they work at keeping the lyrics somewhat clean. The fact that the words are in other languages also helps us not focus on nasty words that can offend but also helps to focus us on movement and dancing more full out. I also use Israeli music. The one time I used a regular pop song I did get feedback and immediately removed it. Zumba provides us with plenty of music from which to choose.

I'm told that it's a mitzvah to become intoxicated on Purim. This puzzles me, because to my understanding, it is not considered a good thing to become intoxicated, period.

One of the characteristics of the at-risk youth is their use of drugs, including alcohol. In my experience, getting drunk doesn't reveal secrets. It makes people act stupid and irresponsible, doing things they would never do if they were sober. Also, I know a lot about the horrible health effects of abusing alcohol, because I work at a research center that focuses on addiction and substance abuse.

Also, I am an alcoholic, which means that if I drink, very bad things happen. I have not had a drink in 22 years, and I have no intention of starting now. Surely there must be instances where a person is excused from the obligation to drink. I don't see how Judaism could ever promote the idea of getting drunk. It just doesn't seem right.

The Aish Rabbi Replies:

Putting aside for a moment all the spiritual and philosophical reasons for getting drunk on Purim, this remains an issue of common sense. Of course, teenagers should be warned of the dangers of acute alcohol ingestion. Of course, nobody should drink and drive. Of course, nobody should become so drunk to the point of negligence in performing mitzvot. And of course, a recovering alcoholic should not partake of alcohol on Purim.

Indeed, the Code of Jewish Law explicitly says that if one suspects the drinking may affect him negatively, then he should NOT drink.

Getting drunk on Purim is actually one of the most difficult mitzvot to do correctly. A person should only drink if it will lead to positive spiritual results - e.g. under the loosening affect of the alcohol, greater awareness will surface of the love for God and Torah found deep in the heart. (Perhaps if we were on a higher spiritual level, we wouldn't need to get drunk!)

Yet the Talmud still speaks of an obligation on Purim of "not knowing the difference between Blessed is Mordechai and Cursed is Haman." How then should a person who doesn't drink get the point of “not knowing”? Simple - just go to sleep! (Rama - OC 695:2)

All this applies to individuals. But the question remains - does drinking on Purim adversely affect the collective social health of the Jewish community?

The aversion to alcoholism is engrained into Jewish consciousness from a number of Biblical and Talmudic sources. There are the rebuking words of prophets - Isaiah 28:1, Hosea 3:1 with Rashi, and Amos 6:6, and the Zohar says that "The wicked stray after wine" (Midrash Ne'alam Parshat Vayera).

It is well known that the rate of alcoholism among Jews has historically been very low. Numerous medical, psychological and sociological studies have confirmed this. The connection between Judaism and sobriety is so evident, that the following conversation is reported by Lawrence Kelemen in "Permission to Receive":

When Dr. Mark Keller, editor of the Quarterly Journal of Studies on Alcohol, commented that "practically all Jews do drink, and yet all the world knows that Jews hardly ever become alcoholics," his colleague, Dr. Howard Haggard, director of Yale's Laboratory of Applied Physiology, jokingly proposed converting alcoholics to the Jewish religion in order to immerse them in a culture with healthy attitudes toward drinking!

Perhaps we could suggest that it is precisely because of the use of alcohol in traditional ceremonies (Kiddush, Bris, Purim, etc.), that Jews experience such low rates of alcoholism. This ceremonial usage may actually act like an inoculation - i.e. injecting a safe amount that keeps the disease away.

Of course, as we said earlier, all this needs to be monitored with good common sense. Yet in my personal experience - having been in the company of Torah scholars who were totally drunk on Purim - they acted with extreme gentleness and joy. Amid the Jewish songs and beautiful words of Torah, every year the event is, for me, very special.

Adar 12 marks the dedication of Herod's renovations on the second Holy Temple in Jerusalem in 11 BCE. Herod was king of Judea in the first century BCE who constructed grand projects like the fortresses at Masada and Herodium, the city of Caesarea, and fortifications around the old city of Jerusalem. The most ambitious of Herod's projects was the re-building of the Temple, which was in disrepair after standing over 300 years. Herod's renovations included a huge man-made platform that remains today the largest man-made platform in the world. It took 10,000 men 10 years just to build the retaining walls around the Temple Mount; the Western Wall that we know today is part of that retaining wall. The Temple itself was a phenomenal site, covered in gold and marble. As the Talmud says, "He who has not seen Herod's building, has never in his life seen a truly grand building."

Some people gauge the value of themselves by what they own. But in reality, the entire concept of ownership of possessions is based on an illusion. When you obtain a material object, it does not become part of you. Ownership is merely your right to use specific objects whenever you wish.

How unfortunate is the person who has an ambition to cleave to something impossible to cleave to! Such a person will not obtain what he desires and will experience suffering.

Fortunate is the person whose ambition it is to acquire personal growth that is independent of external factors. Such a person will lead a happy and rewarding life.

With exercising patience you could have saved yourself 400 zuzim (Berachos 20a).

This Talmudic proverb arose from a case where someone was fined 400 zuzim because he acted in undue haste and insulted some one.

I was once pulling into a parking lot. Since I was a bit late for an important appointment, I was terribly annoyed that the lead car in the procession was creeping at a snail's pace. The driver immediately in front of me was showing his impatience by sounding his horn. In my aggravation, I wanted to join him, but I saw no real purpose in adding to the cacophony.

When the lead driver finally pulled into a parking space, I saw a wheelchair symbol on his rear license plate. He was handicapped and was obviously in need of the nearest parking space. I felt bad that I had harbored such hostile feelings about him, but was gratified that I had not sounded my horn, because then I would really have felt guilty for my lack of consideration.

This incident has helped me to delay my reactions to other frustrating situations until I have more time to evaluate all the circumstances. My motives do not stem from lofty principles, but from my desire to avoid having to feel guilt and remorse for having been foolish or inconsiderate.

Today I shall...

try to withhold impulsive reaction, bearing in mind that a hasty act performed without full knowledge of all the circumstances may cause me much distress.

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